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The ES has a tendency to be
nose-heavy, and mostly feels that way in the pattern. This is a well-known
issue with the ES, and there has been a lot of discussion here over the years
about how best to deal with it. It probably has to do with some
compromises that were made in the beginning, since the plane was designed to
handle either the IO-550, which almost everyone uses, or the lighter
IO-360.
From my experience with building
two of them, I think the most effective way to balance the ES out is to go with
the composite prop, which will save you 20+ pounds, way out front where it
really makes a difference. You'll give up a few knots in cruise, however,
and a few bucks at the bank. Mount your battery as far back as it will go,
and ditto everything else with a flexible location.
Finally, it's not all that bad
holding some back stick on approach. It gives a good, solid control
feel. On your next landing, check and see if that stick is really all the
way back, or if you just thought it was.
Jim Cameron
(Legacy in progress)
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